Very forgetful people

Friends and Family,

It really is a task to distill a full day's "firehose of information" into a succinct blogpost. It's no wonder we normally assign Forge students to do so on a regular basis. . .

Today played host to another beautiful hike; this time alongside the Jordan River, crossing waterfalls and cascading riffles. Most of this trip, so far, has felt like one continuous stair master workout that I don't want to end, yet must cry out for relief in the midst of. So much of this trip offers opportunities for sight pictures from the text that we simply could not experience without the hikes. My hope is that every time we feel tired feet in the future, we might remember something the Lord showed us when our feet grew tired here.

I wouldn't want to give away any secrets and fun surprises from what all this trip entails, but you should know we found ourselves walking, standing and sitting in the actual text today - where Jesus and his disciples discussed matters of the Kingdom. We were asked the same question that Jesus asked his disciples when they stood near Caesarea Philippi (think Vegas!), "Who do you say that I am?"

We visited Omrit, where a short Roman history lesson changed the way we read the Gospel of Mark. We saw what we believe to be the Road to Damascus, where Paul's conversion happened as chronicled in Acts. Eventually, we finished the day at Tel Dan, where we discussed syncretism, disobedience, and how our "prone to wander hearts" must be reminded of Who and Whose we are. It's pretty crazy what's in the Scripture when we really take the time to look at it.

Out of all of the days so far, today was one of the more humbling. Even after hearing many of these things multiple years now (this is my third trip), I still find myself needing humbling reminders to stay the course; to not let my comfort dictate my decisions; to not do what I believe to be God's will in my own way. If today had to be summed up in a phrase or two (which is a task I would not wish on anyone), it would be this: As the Lord's grace gives us eyes to see Him for who he is, our confession of faith and continual remembrance of that keeps us from forgetting. Because we, like the Israelites, are very forgetful people.

Katelyn Sullins

P.S. Throughout our trip so far, we have had incredible weather: no rain, a cool breeze, and the occasional sunburn (don't worry mamas, I'm here for you with reminders and travel size Banana Boat in my pack). We eat great food, stay in beautiful accommodations, and are hosted like kings and queens by our endearing and kind Israeli guides. Tonight, as I type, a large number of our group are playing basketball at a nearby kibbutz with our tour guide, Ronen. He teaches us much, and we are incredibly grateful to call him friend. As always, we are thankful for your prayers, and eager to see what else the Lord might have us see.